What is this thing used for?

This object was in the staff room at work and I thought 'Ooh, a rainbow, that would be good to photograph for this week's theme'

Well it might look simple but it blooming well wasn't! This looks dull, flat and boring but you will notice IT IS WHITE. I took in excess of 100 shots, and this is number 2, so wasted nearly an hour on the others!! If I never photograph on white again I won't mind!!!

Played on Ribbett to jazz it up https://365project.org/30pics4jackiesdiamond/extra-special-o/2017-01-25

[Catherine]

Well done! I cannot get white right! Like the reflections too. Looks like it is some sort of counting aid?

[JackieR]

Thank you! Could be a beadless abacus I suppose!

[Joan Robillard]

Black is easier. I am only guessing but do you have too much light. A faster speed or a larger f-stop. Also thinking painted wood without a finishing layer. Thus it is absorbing the light rather than reflecting it. But scientist I am not.

[JackieR]

@joansmor too much light! Did use flash. Its OK but white is best in sunlight!!!

[Joan Robillard]

@30pics4jackiesdiamond Do you have the ability to use the flash off camera. If so you could move it away or angle different.

[linda]

I could use that for my cottons reels

[Sue]

Yes, it does look a bit 2 dimensional. I am sure if you follow advice above it would help. But I agree, shooting on white is difficult

[JackieR]

@joansmor hi, flash was off camera pointing into diffuser umbrella ( I know get me!!!! Its His!!!!) I will have more tries, but maybe in March. Thanks for your encouragement hoping by December I may have cracked it!!!

[JackieR]

@pinkpaintpot not enough space for cotton reels

[JackieR]

@suesouthwood its stopped being fun too, but I'll get there, still learning lots!!!

[Sally Ings]

Lovely bright colours. White can be very difficult.

[JackieR]

@salza thanks for that, have definitely improved and have a better understanding